People in Carrick Knowe near Corstorphine in the West of Edinburgh have taken to Facebook to praise the quick actions of their neighbours after 'kids' set fire to a hedge and tree in the area on Saturday (4 May).

Photos show a huge blaze engulfing most of a local hedge and tree in a residential garden, which was apparently brought under control by the fast response of locals before the fire brigade arrived.

"How disgusting, so for the two kids did this then ran up the street, I am sure you were not dumb enough to know that there is CCTV in the park, at the end of the street and all throughout Carrick Knowe.

"From a small hedge fire, within one min of me and others trying to get as much water as possible to this it got worse.

"I actually feel really proud of all my neighbours, when we didn't know if it was petrol etc. the guys still stepped up and worked hard before the amazing fire brigade came.

"So to the little fire starters, I hope the police find you and are made to plant new hedges and trees, in front of us all."

Read More

However, although no one was hurt on this occasion, Scottish Fire and Rescue do not advise that members of the public tackle fires themselves.

One UK fire service shared the following advice:

“We appreciate that in some circumstances people may feel they are able to tackle a small fire, however we would ask people to seriously think about what is sensible and what may be considered a risk to your own safety before taking action."